It was with sadness that I recently received notification of your husband and our valued alumnus George McLaughlin, Sr.'s passing. I am writing to extend my deepest sympathy on behalf of the New York University Tandon School of Engineering and the Polytechnic Alumni Association.

He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. Again, please accept my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Jelena Kovacevic

William R. Berkley Professor and Dean at NYU Tandon School of Engineering

As we all are, I am deeply saddened by George’s passing. George was my first and it turns my best supervisor at Bell Labs. He taught me much technically about the AT&T network. But more importantly, George was a wonderful example how one should act professionally and with integrity.

Being a “newbie” when I first started at Bell Labs, I wore a suit to work. Well, the third day of that, George takes me gently aside. He said “look Alan, we like you and all. But wear a suit tomorrow and that will be your last day” (which was a relief to me as I only owned one suit).

That’s George for you; he always knew what was important. AT&T would have benefited by having more Georges as supervisors.

My condolences; George will be sorely missed.

George was my fist supervisor at Bell Labs back in 1969. He was a gentle and deeply religious soul who was kind and patient with everyone he met, especially with me. He was the one who introduced me to the love of gardening which has stayed with me all my life. We had many discussions about the proper way to compost, how to mulch a new vegetable garden (with a foot of salt hay) and how to take care of my newly planted orchard of dwarf fruit trees (lots of spraying). He also had a dry sense of humor. I remember once when he was complaining to me about the number of pills his wife Edie put out for him to take every morning. One morning a new 'football' shaped pill had been added - and he said loudly and gruffly to Edie "what's this one for???" "That one is for you disposition" she replied sweetly.

When you look back on your life there are a small number of influential people who helped shape it. George was one of mine. Without George there would be no me. He taught me about engineering, leadership, honesty, morality, and love. With his passing I feel a part of me has died. So sad to hear this.

I always admired George, his love for his wife and children and his service to his Lord. (And his sense of humor.) Thankful that he is home with his Savior.